Corporate News

Cebu Pacific launches 5 new domestic routes

DAVAO CITY -- Cebu Air, Inc. opened this week five new domestic routes, counting on demand from domestic leisure and business travelers.

BW FILE PHOTO

The budget carrier added the following flights: Zamboanga-Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga-Cotabato, Cebu-Masbate, Davao-Dumaguete, and Davao Tacloban.

The Zamboanga City Government, in a statement, said the new flights will strengthen “Zamboanga International Airport’s business and leisure travel connections.”

“This is proof that Zamboanga’s economy is continuously vibrant and booming.”

In a briefing in Davao City after the arrival of the maiden flight from Dumaguete, Ma. Rosario L. Lagamon, Cebu Pacific head for corporate communications, said the two new routes add to the airlines’ existing 148 flights to and from the Davao International Airport.

“We are launching these new routes because we are confident in the Davao market and that this is in answer to the clamor both of ordinary travelers and those in business,” Ms. Lagamon told BusinessWorld, noting that Davao flights have an average load factor of 80%.

The Davao-Dumaguete flights will be four times weekly and three times a week for Davao-Tacloban.

Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, who led the contingent from his city, said he sees the air service creating a big impact on domestic tourism.

“There are people who wanted to travel (between the two cities), but they did not pursue because there was no air linkage. With the new flight, it is now easier for people from both cities... for pleasure or for business,” Mr. Remollo said.

Davao Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, for his part, said the launching of the two new links to the Visayas will encourage domestic travel.

“We welcome this development because it indicates that the airline saw the potentials of these routes,” he said.